Childhood trauma changes the course of a young life and often begins a downward spiral toward serious physical and emotional issues.
For children vulnerable to poorer health and diminished achievement because of poverty, unsafe homes, and inadequate adult guidance or supervision, Yoga 4 Change represents an opportunity to find inner strength. Our programming gives students the tools to master their breathing, calm mind and body, and shift focus away from the other stressors in their lives.
Each year, our professional instructors teach yoga to more than 2,200 vulnerable youth in schools, juvenile facilities, and after-school learning organizations (781 new students in 2018). Yoga provides the foundation for conflict management, better sleep, and the physical and emotional healing these students need to focus on learning.
For vulnerable youth, program benefits include:
Lower blood pressure
Increased sense of self-esteem
Lower blood sugar
Increased sense of peace
Calming of the nervous system
Lowering of the heart rate
Increase in creative thinking
Improved academic performance
“Before I started yoga, I would hurt myself. Now yoga makes me feel peaceful.”
Ashlyn, 17, Resident
Youth Crisis Center
Risk Factors
500,000 vulnerable youth in northeast Florida
Greater risk for health problems
30% more likely to commit violent crime
59% greater chance of juvenile arrest
87% of people living homeless report at least one adverse childhood experience
Our Impact
9000+ vulnerable youth involved in Yoga 4 Change
19 Facilities
864 hours annually
Program themes include bullying, gratitude, peer pressure, forgiveness, vulnerability